Set within 55 acres of serene parklands is the wonderful Kyoto Garden in Holland Park, a real attraction for history lovers, horticulturalists and those wishing to temporarily escape the hustle and bustle of London’s busy streets.
Holland Park is easily accessible for guests staying at our Park Grand Kensington Hotel with just a short stroll bringing you directly to the entrance of this perfectly maintained and tranquil space that has something to offer for all ages and interests.
Here are just a few reasons why the Kyoto Garden is well worth a visit the next time you take a trip to London:
• The Kyoto garden is home to a collection of beautiful koi carp who live in the ornamental ponds at the bottom of the garden’s impressive waterfall and are one of the parks most beloved attractions thanks to their beautiful array of colours and markings.
• For those of us with green fingers, the dahlia displays have been a part of the garden’s heritage for many years after the Earl of Holland’s wife was the first person to successfully grow this much-loved variety of flowers.
• Visitors can stroll amongst the oriental statues and pagodas at their leisure and marvel at their large colourful blooms and leafy foliage.
• This Japanese garden was a gift from the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce, in recognition of the Japan Festival held in London in 1992 and has been an attraction for tourists and locals alike ever since.
• Featuring many oriental species of plants such as the delicate weeping Acer trees that are expertly cared for the garden’s team of experienced and skilled groundsmen, it’s the perfect spot for discovering some unusual varieties of plants that you won’t find in any other Park or garden in London.
For those who are feeling energetic, you can easily hire a bike to explore the larger area of Holland Park and its Jacobean mansion that was once a political hub. It was sadly partially destroyed by enemy bombers during World War II. However, the open-air theatre hosts an array of live performances in the summer months, just ask the concierge at your hotel in Kensington for directions to the nearest bike hire station.
For those staying at our Park Grand Kensington accommodation with children, you’ll also be able to find Holland Park’s playground near to the Kyoto Garden which features everything you’d expect from a play area plus a giant see-saw, zip wire and tyre swing to help the little ones burn off some energy while the adults soak up the serenity of the beautiful gardens.
Entry to the gardens and Holland Park is completely free of charge, so there will be plenty of pennies left over to spend on a few ice creams and soft drinks at one of the nearby cafes or ice cream stalls.
There’s always something to see and do at the Kyoto Garden, so why not spend a few hours taking in the beautiful collection of Japanese plants and enjoy the tranquillity this hidden London gem has to offer?
